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Meet Reishi, the Mushroom of Immortality

 

Last updated: June 2026
This guide is regularly reviewed with new insights on reishi.

The reishi mushroom has grown in popularity across the globe and is a commonly used 'superfood' in many forms: tinctures, teas, capsules, cacao drinks and even care and energy products. With two impressive nicknames, the 'mushroom of immortality' and the 'king of mushrooms', reishi will not make you live forever, but it is valued for various properties. This blog is part of our medicinal mushroom series; the complete overview is in the 5 best medicinal mushrooms.

What Is Reishi?

What is reishi?

Fan-shaped and orange to reddish-brown in colour, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a rare find in nature. This fungus is native to Europe, Asia and North America and prefers tropical, subtropical and temperate climates with hardwoods such as oak and maple.

What Is Reishi Used For?

Immune System

Reishi has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years to support a healthy immune system. More research is needed, but some studies suggest reishi can support the production of white blood cells, which are important for a well-functioning immune system.

Relaxation

If you have a busy life full of responsibilities, reishi can help you deal with stress. It belongs to the adaptogens, plants that help the body adapt to stress. Reishi does not remove the stressors, but can help you handle them more smoothly and take off 'the edge'.

Sleep

Many people report that their sleep improves after using reishi: falling asleep more easily, staying asleep better and a more pleasant night's rest. It is therefore often used as support for restless nights.

Fatigue

In a study with 132 people, researchers reported less fatigue and better overall well-being after 8 weeks of reishi. In another study, among 48 people recovering from breast cancer, fatigue decreased and quality of life improved after 4 weeks of reishi powder; participants also experienced less low mood and tension. Reishi is therefore mainly known for supporting against fatigue and for well-being.

Is Reishi Edible?

Is reishi edible?

Reishi is edible, but too woody and bitter to eat on its own. The nicest ways are as a tea or in supplement form, such as a liquid extract, powder or capsules. Browse the range in our medicinal mushrooms category.

Is Reishi Psychedelic?

No, reishi is not a psychedelic mushroom: it contains no psilocybin or other psychoactive compounds. You can simply continue your day after taking it.

Is Reishi Safe?

Reishi is generally well tolerated, but be careful if you have low blood pressure or take diabetes medication or immunosuppressants, as reishi may affect their effect. Some people report nausea with prolonged use, while short-term use usually goes well. Do you take medication, are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Then consult your doctor first.

Reishi and Allergies

There is some evidence that reishi can act as a natural alternative to antihistamines. We looked into it in do reishi mushrooms really work for allergies?.

Frequently Asked Questions About Reishi

What is reishi used for?

Reishi is traditionally used to support the immune system, for relaxation, better sleep and less fatigue. It is an adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress.

How do I take reishi?

Most pleasantly as a tea or in supplement form: a liquid extract (easy to dose), powder or capsules. Follow the dosage on your product's label.

Is reishi safe?

Reishi is generally well tolerated. Be careful with low blood pressure or use of diabetes or immune-suppressing medication, and consult your doctor if in doubt, on medication or pregnant.

Does reishi get you high?

No. Reishi contains no psilocybin or other psychoactive compounds and is not psychedelic. You can simply continue your daily activities.

Does reishi help with allergies?

There is some evidence that reishi can act as a natural alternative to antihistamines. Read our findings in reishi and allergies.

Why is reishi called 'mushroom of immortality'?

That nickname comes from tradition, where reishi has been highly regarded for centuries. It does not make you immortal, but is valued for its broad supportive reputation.

Why Next Level Smart?

  • Reishi as extract and capsules — choose the form that suits you
  • Part of a wide mushroom range — easy to combine with other species
  • Clear product information — so you know what you are getting
  • Active since 2010 as a Dutch smart shop, shipping from the Netherlands

Curious about reishi? Browse our medicinal mushrooms. Want to read on? See 3 mushrooms for your immune system or the full overview in the 5 best medicinal mushrooms.

Last updated: June 2026 | Next Level Smart

 
Annie Verkade is a writer at Next Level Smartshop with a background in philology. She writes about natural alternatives to pharmaceuticals, sleep support, and plant-based products. Her work also explores altered states of consciousness - both with and without psychedelics - as well as topics like astrology and lunar cycles, translating insights into clear, accessible content. She’s especially interested in how simple rituals and environment can shift how we feel (sometimes more than we expect). Outside of work, she enjoys photography, reading, bouldering, and travelling. Favourite products: Sagrada Madre incense, Mulungu, Sleep Tincture
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